Block Party: Why Powell River’s Marine Avenue is worth a stretch

Costa del Sol

4578 Marine Ave.

While the sunny patio is the best place to snack on flank steak tacos or street-style corn polenta fries, the interior of the repurposed heritage police station is just as charming: the colourful stained glass and authentic talavera tile take you south.

Taws Cycle and Sports

4597 Marine Ave.

Taws has been hawking hockey goods since the ’70s, but this is also the go-to stop for the cycling community: find a huge selection of bikes and an in-house repairs shop, too. (And in true small-town, anything-goes fashion, the business also offers custom embroidery and sign-making services.)

Base Camp Coffee

4548 Marine Ave.

Sure, you can grab an organic drip coffee to go, but why not settle into the full Base Camp experience? Order a Trust Me (espresso served with housemade butter and “textured” milk—hope you’re lactose-tolerant) and a hearty B.C.-beef-and-fire-roasted-salsa burrito and enjoy it in the cozy, woodsy room while you take in the extensive local art display.

Coastal Cookery

4553 Marine Ave.

Sister resto to Costa del Sol across the street, Coastal serves up contemporary, ingredient-driven coastal fusion fare (think togarashi-dusted Humboldt squid or line-caught ling cod on Thai black rice) with some jaw-dropping ocean views. The cocktail game here is strong: sip a Powell Riviera, a local spin on the Mai Tai.

Kingfisher Used Books

4488 Marine Ave.

If you’re looking for a beach read on your next Sunshine Coast getaway, you’ll find it here. Offerings at the cozy Kingfisher vary by the day (it stocks new and used books, plus music), but you’re sure to find a treasure here no matter when you go.

Townskate

4482 Marine Ave.

The family-owned skate shop sells gear and skater-boi-approved apparel, but if you’re new to the kickflippin’ game, never fear: lessons are available, too.

Powell River Outdoors

4466 Marine Ave.

You could spend your Powell River visit just lounging on patios and talking about skateboard lessons, or you could actually get out there and enjoy the nature that makes this area so popular. PRO is the go-to source for all of your camping, hunting and fishing needs.